German skating great Claudia Pechstein ‘optimistic’ about appeal of doping ban

German’s Pechstein ‘optimistic’ on doping appeal

LAUSANNE, Switzerland — Five-time Olympic speedskating champion Claudia Pechstein says she is optimistic about winning her appeal against a two-year doping ban.

Pechstein attended a hearing Friday at the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne, Switzerland. She is challenging a ban imposed by the International Skating Union.

The ISU banned Pechstein in July despite never failing a drug test. The governing body said she gave blood samples with abnormal levels at last season’s World Allround Championships.

A verdict is expected next month.

The 37-year-old German hopes to compete at her sixth straight Winter Olympics in Vancouver.